ATTIRE: Casual, Blue & Gold, FVSU Gear

3:00PM–5:30PM: Early Registration & Check-In

5:30PM–8:00PM: Alumni Mixer “Wildcat Royale”

• Kick off the conference with an exciting networking event in the Embassy Suites Terrace Bar. Connect with fellow alumni, engage with university representatives, and enjoy an evening of camaraderie as we set the stage for an impactful conference experience.

• Includes two complimentary beverages and snacks

• Pick up conference materials

8:00PM: Free time to explore the city / Late night meet-up / Get rest to prepare for Friday 

ATTIRE: Business Casual, Business Professional

7:00AM – 8:00AM | Conference Check In & Breakfast 

8:00AM – 8:45AM | Conference Opening & Call to Order 

8:45AM – 9:45AM: State of the University Address: Dr. Paul Jones, FVSU President 

10:00AM – 11:00AM: PLENARY SESSION I “Bet on Your Voice: FVSU Alumni Legislative Engagement”
Dr. Velma McCray, Former FVSU NAA President

1:00PM – 4:00PM: Officer Presentation and Updates

• State of the National Alumni Association: Garren Walker, FVSU NAA President

• Financial Report: Kasie Swayne, FVSU NAA Treasurer & Yashica Woods, FVSU NAA Financial Secretary

• Constitution & Bylaws Updates: Joshua Brown, FVSU NAA Parliamentarian

• Election Results

• Installation of Officers

• Closing Business Remarks

4:15PM – 5:00PM: Las Vegas Alumni Chapter Chartering Ceremony 

5:00PM – 6:00PM: Dinner 

6:00PM: Closing Remarks/Dismissal: Presiding 

8:00PM: Explore the city/Alumni Night Out “From the Valley to Vegas: FVSU Alumni Night” 

7:00AM – 8:00AM: Breakfast

8:00AM – 11:00AM: PLENARY SESSION II “Blue & Gold: All In on Fundraising”
Dr. Antonio Cuyler

11:00AM – 12:00PM: Wrap up/Dismissal 

12:30PM Pick-up: Departure for Big Bus Tour (Attire: Casual, Cool and Comfortable, Walking shoes! )

SESSION LEADER: BLUE & GOLD ALL IN ON FUNDRAISING

Antonio C. Cuyler, Ph.D. (he/him/his) is Professor of Music in Entrepreneurship & Leadership, Faculty Associate in the Africana Studies Center, Faculty Associate in Voice & Opera in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD), and hired through the Provost’s Anti-Racism Hiring Initiative (AHI) at the University of Michigan. He has taught Fundraising and Grant Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Florida State University (FSU), and the University of Michigan. He has also reviewed more than 400 grants for funding agencies such as the Arts Council of Fairfax County, Arts Council of Indianapolis, Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), Cuyahoga Arts, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, International Association of Blacks in Dance, National Endowment for the Arts, OPERAAmerica, and U. S. Department of Education. His professional fundraising experience includes serving as a Research Analyst for the College of Motion Picture Arts, College of Music, former College of Visual Arts, Theatre & Dance, and Ringling Museum at FSU, and co-chair of the Finance and Fundraising committee on the Arts Administrators of Color Network’s board that procured a transformative gift from Mackenzie Scott in 2021. Most recently, he procured more than $300k from the Wallace Foundation and the University of Michigan to conduct and support his research and teaching.

SESSION LEADER: ADVOCACY: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO POSITIVE OUTCOMES

Dr. Velma R. McCray is a seasoned consultant and retired leader from the Georgia Department of Human Services with more than 50 years of distinguished experience in education, human services, leadership development, grant writing, program evaluation, and community advocacy. Her work has impacted communities across the United States and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Leadership development and community mobilization

• Career development, training, and advisement

• Grant writing, proposal development, and program evaluation

• Needs assessment, strategic planning, and civic engagement

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

• Organized advocacy efforts that contributed to the election of the first African American County Commissioner in Fort Bend County, Texas

• Became the first African American woman to run for school board in Clayton County, Georgia

• Facilitated GAABSU workshops on legislative engagement and effective leadership

• Served on the Legal Defense Coalition for the Preservation of Georgia’s State HBCUs

EDUCATION & HONORS

Education: Doctorate, Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, University of Houston; Master’s, Vocational and Career Development, Georgia State University; B.A., Social Work, Fort Valley State College.

Selected Honors: FVSU Hall of Fame Inductee; Founders Day Speaker; Parade Marshal; Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund 5th Annual Community Award; Alumna of the Year in Social Work.

Legacy of Service: Former President-Elect and President of the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association, creator of The Vision newsletter, former FVSU Foundation Board member, and supporter of the establishment of an Endowment Fund with the FVSU Foundation.